e-Inclusion :: Modelling and demonstrating the impact of eInclusion
Inclusive Innovation for Growth and Cohesion: Modelling and demonstrating the impact of eInclusion
March 2009
This study represents an important progress toward evidence based eInclusion policy making and impact measurement.
While primarily focussed on the social and economic impact of eInclusion, the work also analysed the root causes behind processes of digital inclusion or exclusion and derived from it important implications for policy.
In order to do so:
- about 300 hundreds theoretical and empirical sources have been reviewed;
- 1000 cases of eInclusion support initiatives were screened and 125 of them analysed in depth ;
- a wide ranging review of the economic literature on the impact of ICT was conducted;
- an econometric model to assess the impact of possessing or lacking digital skills on employability and wage differentials was designed and run.
The study provides robust evidence on some of the areas of eInclusion impacts, proposes a practical checklist of measurement indicators for practitioners, and in general makes a strong case in highlighting the potential tangible benefits of eInclusion. Yet, it also shows that currently limited awareness about the need of demonstrating tangible benefits and measurement capacities characterise the practice of eInclusion support initiatives.
Last update: 13/09/2011
